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Corrie MoreauView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Patterns and Processes
• Organismal Biology
• Plant-animal Interactions
• +13 more

Corrie Moreau is the Martha N. & John C. Moser Professor of Arthropod Biosystematics and Biodiversity at Cornell University, serving as Director & Curator of the Cornell University Insect Collection. She holds affiliations with the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on symbiotic factors driving speciation, adaptation, and diversification in insects, particularly ants. Moreau’s work integrates molecular methods, next-generation sequencing, and field-based research to study biodiversity across scales. Education: Ph.D. in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University (2007), M.Sc. in Biology from San Francisco State University/California Academy of Sciences (2003), B.S. in Biology from San Francisco State University (2000). Research Interests: Evolutionary patterns/processes, organismal biology, plant-animal interactions, chemical ecology, sustainability, and microbiome dynamics. Her lab (Moreau Lab) investigates ant-microbe symbioses, host-microbe interactions, and the role of symbioses in macroevolutionary processes. Recent work includes studies on ant phylogenetics, gut microbiome evolution, and the impact of invasive species on native ecosystems. Publications highlight her contributions to understanding ant evolution, microbial symbiosis, and biogeography. Grants include NSF-funded projects on ant genomics and symbiosis. She advocates for natural history collections and their role in biodiversity research and education.

Noa Pinter-WollmanView profile

Professor

• Collective animal behavior
• Social network analysis
• Behavioral ecology
• +3 more

Noa Pinter-Wollman is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles, within the College of Life Sciences . Her work integrates field experiments, laboratory assays, computational modeling, and social network analysis to understand how individual variation among animals translates into emergent collective behavior, and how these dynamics intersect with conservation challenges. Research Focus: Mechanisms underlying collective decision-making in social insects (especially Argentine ants and harvester ants) Social network structure and its ecological consequences in endangered griffon vultures Interface between spatial ecology and social behavior, including impacts on disease transmission and conservation management Biomimetic insights from social animals to inform resilient human-designed systems Across 2023–2025, her team has produced a steady stream of high-impact articles that collectively advance four thematic pillars: (1) microbiome–behavior feedbacks in ants, (2) conservation technology for scavengers, (3) network-analytic methods for disentangling spatial versus social drivers of interaction, and (4) cooperative strategies that underlie invasion success in ants. The work is notable for integrating high-resolution tracking technologies with rigorous statistical modeling. Funding & Collaborations: Current NSF awards include the collaborative grant “ The causes and consequences of Higher Order Interactions (HOI) ” and prior support for “ Uncovering how links between social and spatial interactions affect ecological processes .” These grants foster interdisciplinary partnerships spanning ecology, computer science, and conservation practice. Laboratory & Team: The Pinter-Wollman Lab at UCLA houses graduate researchers, post-docs, and undergraduates who conduct integrative studies on ants, paper wasps, spiders, and vultures. The lab website ( https://pinter-wollmanlab.weebly.com ) provides protocols, data resources, and outreach materials that translate basic findings into actionable conservation guidance for wildlife managers.

Joana Falcao SallesView profile

Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Soil Microbiology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Joana Falcao Salles is a Professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen, leading the Salles Lab focused on Microbial Community Ecology. Her research integrates ecological and evolutionary theories to understand microbial community formation and their environmental impacts. She holds a PhD from Leiden University (2005) and has held academic positions since 2008. She serves as Treasurer on the Executive Board of the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME). Her expertise spans microbial ecology in soils, plants, and animals, with a focus on microbial diversity, invasion dynamics, and symbiotic relationships. Key projects include studying salt marsh microbiomes, plant-microbe interactions in agriculture, and the role of microbiomes in host immunity. She has secured grants for initiatives like PotatoMETAbiome and INSECTFEED, advancing sustainable agriculture and circular economy solutions. Salles has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work on microbial solutions to climate change, antibiotic resistance, and gut-brain axis interactions. Her lab collaborates globally, addressing challenges in environmental sustainability and public health.

• Plant Pathology
• Plant Breeding
• Disease Resistance
• +4 more

Vivianne Vleeshouwers is an Associate Professor in Plant Breeding at Wageningen University and Research Centre, specializing in plant-pathogen interactions with a focus on potato disease resistance. Her research spans multiple projects related to Phytophthora infestans (the causal agent of late blight) and other potato pathogens. Her research interests center on plant immunity mechanisms, particularly how wild potato species recognize pathogens through immune receptors. She investigates effector biology, host-pathogen co-evolution, and molecular mechanisms of disease resistance. Her work combines molecular biology, genomics, and plant breeding approaches to develop durable resistance strategies against devastating potato diseases. Dr. Vleeshouwers has published 126 research outputs with recent work focusing on RXLR effectors, immune receptor diversification, and co-infection dynamics. Her publications show a strong trend toward understanding molecular plant-pathogen interactions at the genomic and proteomic levels, with increasing emphasis on translational research that can be applied to crop improvement. She actively supervises multiple PhD students and leads several research projects focused on potato disease resistance. Her team collaborates internationally with researchers across Europe and beyond, working on various aspects of plant pathology and resistance breeding. Dr. Vleeshouwers' laboratory focuses on effectoromics, immune receptor identification, and resistance gene deployment strategies. Her team utilizes advanced genomic techniques including genome sequencing, proximity labeling, and high-throughput phenotyping to understand and enhance plant disease resistance mechanisms.

Floria Mora-Kepfer UyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Evolution of sociality
• Neuroethology
• Host-parasite interactions
• +2 more

Floria Mora-Kepfer Uy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Rochester, within the School of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on the evolution of social behavior, particularly in insects, using integrative approaches that combine field and lab experiments with molecular and neural techniques. She investigates how relatedness, social interactions, environmental factors, and parasitic relationships influence cooperation, group formation, and neurobiological adaptations. Key research interests include the evolution of sociality, neuroethology, host-parasite interactions, behavioral ecology, and conservation. Her work employs model systems such as wasps (e.g., Mischocyttarus mexicanus, Polistes spp.) and explores topics like brain plasticity, sensory system adaptation, and genomic responses to environmental pressures. Dr. Uy’s research group actively accepts PhD students and utilizes a variety of methodologies, including neurogenomic analyses and behavioral experiments. While no specific grants or awards are listed, her publications highlight contributions to understanding social behavior mechanisms in insects.

G. Boyd PadgettView profile

Professor

• Row Crop Pathology
• Disease Management
• Fungicide Application
• +2 more

G. Boyd Padgett is Professor and Extension/Research Row Crop Plant Pathologist at Louisiana State University's College of Agriculture. He serves as State Small Grains and Peanut Specialist and Interim Soybean Specialist, developing disease management programs for major Louisiana crops including corn, cotton, grain sorghum, peanut, soybean, and small grains. Education: Educational background not explicitly provided in text. Dr. Padgett's research focuses on the epidemiology and management of fungal pathogens affecting row crops. His work emphasizes field-based solutions through variety evaluation, fungicide efficacy trials, and integrated disease management strategies. He has secured over $3 million in grant funding from organizations including the United Soybean Board, USDA, and National Peanut Board. Recent publications address soybean rust monitoring systems, fungicide resistance mechanisms in Cercospora species, nematode management in cotton, and integrated disease management strategies for wheat and soybeans. His extension program delivers practical disease management solutions through over 170 local, state, and national presentations and media engagements. Dr. Padgett teaches plant disease management courses and mentors graduate students. His extension publications provide disease management guidelines for Louisiana growers, addressing emerging threats like target spot of cotton and Fusarium head blight of wheat.

• Entomology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Social Insect Biology
• +3 more

Simon K.A. Robson is a Professor at James Cook University, specializing in entomology, behavioral ecology, and social insect biology. His research focuses on ants, particularly their social organization, ecological adaptations, and responses to environmental changes. He has contributed extensively to understanding ant behavior, nest architecture, and the ecological implications of climate change on tropical species. Key research interests include the physiological and behavioral adaptations of ants, the evolution of complex social structures, and the application of molecular tools in ecological studies. His work spans topics like ant vision, microstructure analysis, and conservation biology in tropical ecosystems. Robson has collaborated widely, contributing to over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals. His studies often integrate field observations with laboratory analyses, addressing questions about biodiversity patterns, invasive species, and the impact of environmental variables on insect communities. No specific awards or grants are mentioned in the provided texts, though his prolific publication record indicates sustained academic engagement. His research often involves interdisciplinary approaches, bridging entomology, genetics, and conservation.

• Symbiotic bacteria research
• Insect-borne disease control
• Genetics and evolution
• +4 more

Jeremy Brownlie is an Associate Professor of Genetics and Evolution at Griffith University's School of Environment and Science, specializing in symbiotic bacteria like Wolbachia and their impact on insect biology. He leads research initiatives addressing insect-borne disease control, agricultural pest management, and human evolution through genomic studies of ancient Australasian populations. His roles include Director of the Griffith Sciences Partnerships Office and Deputy Head of his school, emphasizing external collaborations and policy advocacy. Brownlie holds a PhD from ANU and has secured significant grants, including ARC Discovery Projects, focusing on Wolbachia's antiviral mechanisms and biosecurity applications. His work bridges molecular biology, applied entomology, and human evolutionary studies, with active involvement in science policy through the National Science and Technology Council. Educations: PhD in Genetics, Australian National University (2003) BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, Australian National University (1996) Research Interests: Symbiont biology, pest control strategies, Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection, and genomic analysis of human migration in Southeast Asia/Australia. Key Collaborations: Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, Environmental Futures Research Institute, and international agricultural agencies. Grants: Over $1.5M in funding from ARC, Griffith University, and industry partners for projects on Wolbachia, biofilm diagnostics, and pest control technologies. Professional Roles: President of Science & Technology Australia (2019–2021), Board Member of the National Science Council, and leader in STEM policy advocacy. Advisory Work: Supervised over 20 PhD/MSc students on topics ranging from Wolbachia genetics to antimicrobial resistance and bioinformatics. His laboratories focus on innovative solutions for global challenges in food security, disease control, and sustainable biotechnology, with interdisciplinary approaches combining genomics, entomology, and clinical microbiology.

• Chemical Ecology
• Invasive Species
• Social Insects
• +4 more

Eric Darrouzet is a Lecturer-researcher at the University of Tours, affiliated with the Insect Biology Research Institute (IRBI, UMR CNRS 7261) and the Professional Agrosciences Department. He specializes in chemical ecology, particularly focusing on social insects like the Asian hornet ( Vespa velutina nigrithorax ), invasive species dynamics, and the development of selective control tools. His administrative roles include director of the Professional Agrosciences Department and responsibility for the Master 1 Agrosciences program. Research Themes: Chemical communication in social insects, multi-trophic relationships, invasive species impact, and ecological control methods. Teaching: Physiology, microbiology, animal production, and communication techniques in professional licenses and masters. Public Engagement: Maintains websites ( frelonasiatique.univ-tours.fr ) and a YouTube channel ( YouTube ) to disseminate research on hornets and insect constructions. His work on the Asian hornet includes studies on its biology, thermal tolerance, venom composition, and control strategies. Collaborations include roles in the ADAPIC steering committee and CS3D scientific board. Research outputs span over 50 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on chemical ecology, invasive species management, and insect behavior.

Gary ChangView profile

Associate Professor

• Insect Ecology
• Biological Control
• Pollinator Ecology
• +2 more

Gary Chang serves as an Associate Professor of Biology at Gonzaga University, focusing on ecological dynamics between pollinator species through integrated field and computational approaches. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Washington B.S. in Biology from Duke University Research centers on wool-carder bee territorial behaviors, examining male aggression patterns toward honey bees and bumble bees on campus. Current projects investigate species-specific attack preferences and avoidance learning in competing pollinators, complemented by mathematical models analyzing environmental risk-reward tradeoffs in foraging behavior. This work bridges empirical ecology with theoretical frameworks to understand invasive species impacts. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate biology courses with office hours specified in course syllabi. Contact is facilitated via university email and phone line (509) 313-6637.

Thomas C HarringtonView profile

Professor

• Forest Pathology
• Mycology
• Fungal Genetics and Evolution
• +7 more

Dr. Thomas C Harrington is a Professor at Iowa State University (ISU) in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, with a joint appointment in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM). His research focuses on fungal pathogens in forest ecosystems, particularly the genus Ceratocystis , ambrosia beetle-fungus symbioses, and invasive fungal diseases. He teaches courses in fungal biology and forest pathology. Affiliations: ISU Plant Pathology and Microbiology Department (since 1991), NREM (since 1996), and faculty in Interdepartmental Genetics and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology programs. Education: Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, University of California, Berkeley (1983) M.S. in Plant Pathology, Washington State University (1980) B.S. in Plant Pathology, Colorado State University (1977) Research Interests: Dr. Harrington studies fungal pathogens affecting forest trees, including Ceratocystis species, ambrosia beetle symbionts, and root rot fungi. He emphasizes genetic diversity, evolutionary biology, and taxonomy of fungi, as well as ecological impacts of invasive species like laurel wilt and bur oak blight. His work integrates molecular tools for pathogen detection and phylogenetic analysis to address disease management challenges. Grants & Awards: His research has been supported by USDA Forest Service grants, focusing on bur oak blight and rapid ʻōhiʻa death. No specific honors or awards are listed in the provided texts. Labs & Teams: Collaborates with researchers in fungal genetics, entomology, and forest ecology. Key projects involve global fungal biodiversity initiatives and pathogen surveillance in threatened ecosystems.

• Service Failure & Recovery
• Appearance and Impression Formation
• Edible Insects
• +3 more

Melissa Baker is the Department Chair and Jaime ’76 and Cindy Pereira Faculty Fellow in the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management at the Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts Amherst. She holds an Associate Professor rank and has professional experience as an Assistant General Manager in hospitality before academia. Her education includes a PhD (2013), MS (2010), and BS (2002) in related fields from Virginia Tech and Cornell University. Her research focuses on Service Failure & Recovery , Appearance and Impression Formation , and Edible Insects . Recent studies explore customer incivility impacts, virtual tourism, and sustainable practices in hospitality. Notable awards include the 2016 College Outstanding Teacher Award and 2012 Holtzman Award for Research Excellence. Her publications span journals like Journal of Business Research and International Journal of Hospitality Management , emphasizing service recovery strategies, employee well-being, and innovative gastronomy. Current trends in her work include crisis management, digital tourism experiences, and ethical consumer behavior. Advising and grants are not explicitly listed, but her research collaborations and leadership roles suggest active engagement in academic networks. She maintains affiliations with the Isenberg School’s outreach programs and contributes to international hospitality education initiatives.

Christina GrozingerView profile

Professor

• Entomology
• Genomics of Social Behavior
• Chemical Communication in Insects
• +7 more

Christina Grozinger is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Pennsylvania State University and serves as the Director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. Her research integrates genomics, molecular biology, and ecology to understand social behavior, chemical communication, and health in honey bees and other pollinators. She leads a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research program focused on improving pollinator conservation and management. Her research interests include: Genomic and molecular basis of social behavior in insects Chemical communication and pheromone signaling in honey bees Host-parasite interactions and immune responses in pollinators Landscape genomics and environmental stress responses Pollinator conservation and sustainable beekeeping practices The recent articles (2024–2025) reflect a strong focus on applying cutting-edge molecular tools—such as transcriptomics, DNA metabarcoding, and machine learning—to address urgent conservation challenges. Themes include climate change impacts on bee fertility, viral infections in insect hosts, landscape-level pathogen dynamics, and the use of citizen science for monitoring firefly populations. Her work bridges fundamental biology with applied solutions for pollinator decline. Scientific awards and recognitions include: Distinguished Professor at Pennsylvania State University Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology Appointment to the National Academies Committee on Insect Declines Dr. Grozinger leads major research initiatives, including Scialog grants on environmental impacts on animal behavior, and advises numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. She has secured significant funding for interdisciplinary projects, such as those combining ecological modeling with decision support systems for land managers. Her leadership extends to directing the Huck Institutes, where she fosters innovation across life sciences. She is actively involved in science communication and education, including courses on pollinator conservation that assess cognitive impacts on students. She leads research teams focusing on: The Grozinger Lab at Penn State, which studies molecular mechanisms of social behavior Interdisciplinary collaborations in landscape ecology, genomics, and conservation Citizen science and machine learning applications in pollinator monitoring Development of spatial decision support tools for ecological management

Will HoppittView profile

Lecturer

• Animal Behaviour
• Behavioural Ecology
• Statistical Modelling
• +4 more

Will Hoppitt is a Lecturer in Zoology at the University of Cumbria since 2024, with over 25 years of experience as a zoologist specializing in animal behavior and behavioral ecology. He holds a qualification in statistical modeling, emphasizing its integration into zoological education. Previously lecturing at Anglia Ruskin University and Leeds University, he was drawn to Cumbria’s natural surroundings for field-based teaching opportunities. His research focuses on animal social learning, examining cultural transmission mechanisms across species like humpback whales, chimpanzees, and honeybees. Notable projects include analyzing the spread of novel behaviors and the role of social networks in collective foraging. He teaches modules such as Animal Behaviour, Behavioral Ecology, and Statistical Modelling Techniques, integrating practical fieldwork and computer simulations into teaching methods. His work emphasizes close student interaction through seminars and group discussions, distinguishing Cumbria’s undergraduate programs. The university’s location near the Lake District and Pennines allows frequent fieldwork, such as deer park studies at Levens Hall. Hoppitt’s career includes freelance statistical consulting and safari guiding in Botswana’s Makadikadi region.

Mike MartinView profile

Research Fellow

• Conflict Studies
• International Relations
• Security Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Mike Martin , a Senior Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London's Department of War Studies , combines military experience with academic rigor. Former British Army officer and Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, he specializes in conflict analysis through evolutionary psychology and socio-political dynamics. Conflict Studies International Relations Security Strategy His research bridges military operational requirements with anthropological insights, particularly focused on Helmand Province , Congo River Basin exploration, and global jihadist networks . As PhD supervisor to Christopher Elliott, he continues examining terrain's influence on conflict evolution. Recent publications like How to Fight a War (2023) and Why We Fight (2018) analyze warfare from biological and strategic perspectives. His work challenges conventional military wisdom through interdisciplinary approaches. Public engagement includes: ThreshedThought blog @ThreshedThought Twitter Consultancy for Common Purpose NGO